Today is a guest interview with one of the most fun couples I know: Crystal and AJ Martin! From navigating time changes with littles, to puddle jumping, to marking special milestones and throwing parties, these guys know how to infuse fun into family life. But why does this matter? Think about the last time you had a good laugh. What did it do to you? When was the last time you had a good belly laugh. Ever laughed so hard that you cried? Fun does...

This recipe is tried and true - it's perfect. I've made hundreds of apple pies (no - seriously. I swear.) because for some crazy reason I find it relaxing. Therapeutic almost. Maybe you will too! So – I'm sharing these steps with you just in time for thanksgiving! I learned these simple steps to the PERFECT apple pie from my mother. And now – lucky you – you can too! Homemade. No Preservatives. All natural. It's almost HEALTHY! Haha. Almost. With no further adieu, I wish you the love of apple pie...

The Chemex. I look forward to it every day - the sound of the paper filter as I unfold it and place it in the top of the chemex. The scent of the beans as I crank the first couple turns on my grinder. The steam of the arc of water coming out of the kettle wafting in the morning sunlight. The aroma as the coffee is infusing in the water. The steady, circular motions, and the quit drip of coffee into the carafe. Then finally, raising that cup of carefully crafted goodness to my lips....

The Aeropress. An amazing, cheap coffee invention from the inventor of the Aerobie frisbee - Alan Alder. It's the incredible, unlikely heir to the coffeemaker throne of greatness. If you buy one “pro” coffee making device, make it the aeropress. It’s the easiest, fastest, simplest way to an incredible cup of coffee - every time. And no one is paying me to say that. It takes very little practice to master and provides the quickest shortcut to the most amazing cups of coffee I’ve found. Seriously...

Of all the small joys I find in life, enjoying coffee is what I’m asked about most. To some, it’s a necessity. To me, it’s therapy. A chance to slow down, work with my hands, focus, and craft something amazing. I have a whole post on why it's so important to me. Plus, the coffee you brew can make the world a better place – or not. Great coffee, and I mean really great coffee, has a mysticism about it. How do you make it? What’s the secret? What separates the best from the rest?...

Ok - that title is a little tongue in cheek:) Seriously though - I LOVE coffee. In fact, as we were doing our research preparing to launch United and Untied, one topic that was most requested from people who knew me well was tips and tricks on how I've learned to make coffee! I'll admit - I have learned a lot about making coffee over the years and am definitely happy to share! But how does that fit into the big picture here? Isn't this blog about exploring...